Coupling and uncoupling stick



(No Model.)

P. W. BBALL COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING STICK.

' Patented July 30, 1889.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FLETCHER \V. BEALL, OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA.

COUPLING AND UNC'OUPLING STICK.

SPECIFICATION forming par of Letters Patent No. 408,158, dated July 30, 1889.

Application filed June 20, 1889. Serial No. 314,942. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FLETCHER W. BEALL, of the city of Birmingham, county of J efferson, and State of Alabama, have invented a certain new and useful Coupling and Uncoupling Stick, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The object of my invention is to provide a light and effective tool for pulling the pin and guiding the link of an ordinary link and-pin car-coupling. The management of such coupling in the ordinary way by hand is attended with considerable danger, and frequently results in serious accidents to the operator.

By my invention I provide means by which the operation of coupling and uncoupling can be safely and conveniently effected by an operator standing at the side of the train, and not between the cars.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a View of my improved coupling and uncoupling implement, partly in section, showing the grip in its position when not in use. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the grip in position to clutch a coupling-pin. Fig. 3 is a sectional View, on a larger scale, showing the trigger mechanism in one position; and Fig. 4 is a similar view showing it in another position. 7

Referring to the letters on the drawings, A indicates a tube of convenient length, which is preferably made of metal, but may be constructed of any suitable material, such as wood, for instance. Upon one end of the tube A is secured, in any convenient way, a ring B, which is provided on one side with a projection C.

WVithin the tube A is located a longitudinally-movable rod or tube D, which may be made at its end next to the ring B smaller than the other portion, so as to leave a shoulder E.

F indicates a bushing secured within the tube A, upon which at one end the spring G has its seat, the other end being seated upon the shoulders E, so as to tend to drive the rod D back from the forward end of the tube A. Upon the smaller end of the rod D is detachably fastened a grip H.

1 indicates a recess in the rod D, through which and the tubeA the pin J passes to prevent the rod from turning, and also to limit its longitudinal movement.

K indicates a trigger, which is pivoted upon suitable ebearings L, that preferably consist of a separable piece set into the tube A, and secured thereto by a screw or sliding band X or other convenient means. The bearing part of the trigger works in the slot M, and is provided with the slot N, within which the pin 0 moves. The said pin is secured to the slide P, and is actuated by the trigger K to move the slide longitudinally within the tube A. The rod D impinges against the end of the slide and is held at all times in contact with it by the spring G.

In use the operation of my invention is as follows: Suppose it is desired to remove a coupling-pin. The ring B is passed over the head of the pin, the trigger is depressed and projects the grip H against one side of the pin and secures it within the ring. The pin may then be removed by lifting the stick. It may be replaced by setting it in position and releasing the trigger, when the grip is immediately retracted by the action of the spring 011 the rod D. In guiding the link the projection Q of the ring B is inserted into the space between the sides of the link, and by it the link may be directed into any position necessary to effect the coupling. A tool of this sort to be practicable must be certain in its operation and must be susceptible of the readiest manipulation. If in coupling a car, for instance, the tool should in any way fail to operate, there is danger of the link being driven against the pin and injuring it. Heretofore tools of this kind have been provided with a hook at the end instead of a ring, but a hook is obj eetionable. It does not confine the pin in line with the grip, so that the latter will always be certain to catch the pin. Heretofore, also, in mechanism for operating the grip, the connection between the slide and the rod which operates the grip has been of a rigid character, and is therefore liable to catch and stick.

By my improvement I provide a loosejointed connection between the rod and the slide, as well as between the trigger and the slide, so that there is no unnecessary rigidity of the parts and liability to catch'and fail to work.

I0 combination, With the tube A, ring B, and

projection C, of the rod D, trigger K, having the slot N therein, slide P, and pin 0, substantially as set forth. I

In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name.

FLETCHER W. BEALL. WVitnesses:

JOSEPH L. ATKINS, Tnos. S. HoPKiNs. 

